DOS

Visa Restrictions for Undermining Great Lakes Peace

The Department of State has imposed visa restrictions on several senior Rwandan officials for fueling instability in eastern DRC and violating the Washington Accords. This action targets individuals undermining peace in the Great Lakes Region, pursuant to Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

January 2026 Visa Bulletin Cutoff Dates

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for January 2026, detailing the 'Final Action Dates' and 'Dates for Filing Applications' for immigrant visas. This bulletin indicates when visa applicants can expect to be notified to assemble and submit their required documentation to the National Visa Center.

November 2025 Visa Bulletin

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for November 2025, detailing the "Final Action Dates" and "Dates for Filing Applications" for immigrant visas. This bulletin informs visa applicants when they should assemble and submit required documentation to the National Visa Center.

December 2025 Visa Bulletin

The U.S. Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for December 2025. This bulletin details the 'Final Action Dates' and 'Dates for Filing Applications' for preference immigrant visas, indicating when applicants can submit required documentation.

February 2026 Visa Bulletin Cutoff Dates

The Department of State has published the Visa Bulletin for February 2026, detailing the cutoff dates for immigrant visa applications. This bulletin indicates when applicants should be prepared to submit their documentation to the National Visa Center for final action.

March 2026 Visa Bulletin

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for March 2026, detailing immigrant visa availability. This bulletin provides "Final Action Dates" and "Dates for Filing Applications" for various preference categories, guiding applicants on when to submit documentation for immigrant visas and adjustment of status applications.

US Sanctions Rwandan Officials for Violating Washington Accords

The United States has sanctioned the Rwandan Defense Force (RDF) and four senior RDF officers for their support of the M23 movement in the DRC, violating the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity. This action, taken under Executive Order 13413, demonstrates U.S. resolve to uphold regional stability.

Sanctioning Timeshare Resort Linked to CJNG for Defrauding U.S. Citizens

The U.S. Department of State announced sanctions against Kovay Gardens, a Mexican timeshare resort, and associated individuals and companies for their involvement in timeshare fraud schemes orchestrated by the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG). This action was taken under executive orders targeting illicit drug proliferation and terrorism.

US Designates Russia-Based Cyber Firm for Trade Secret Theft

The U.S. Department of State has designated Russia-based Matrix LLC (Operation Zero) and its director, Sergey Zelenyuk, for significant theft of U.S. trade secrets. This action, taken under the Protecting American Intellectual Property Act and Executive Order 13694, blocks their assets in the U.S. and prohibits U.S. persons from conducting business with them.

State Department Sanctions for Intellectual Property Theft

The Department of State has sanctioned one individual and two entities under the Protecting American Intellectual Property Act (PAIPA) for theft of trade secrets. This action, supported by Treasury designations, marks the first use of PAIPA and targets cyber tools stolen from a U.S. company.